Meet the
John Velliness, Jr.
Athletic Development Officer, Major Gifts
John Vellines joined the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation in November of 2019 as an Athletic Development Officer. Prior to ODU he spent 10 years at Norfolk Festevents where he specialized in sponsorships, fundraising and sales. Additionally, John has served as an Adjunct Professor in ODU’s Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies program since 2017.
A native of Norfolk, John earned his Bachelor of Science in Communication at Radford University where he played baseball from 2002-2006 and served as the Team Captain from 2005-2006. He also earned a Master of Science degree at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center for Sports Leadership in 2007.
In his free time, John enjoys golf, cooking, live music, and spending time outdoors. He and his wife Ashley, who coached the ODU Women’s Lacrosse Team for five years, reside just blocks away from S.B. Ballard Stadium. They have four children, 3 boys and 1 girl, and a black lab named “Coal”.
Get to Know John
Favorite ODU Sports Moment
Attending ODU’s first Football game vs. Chowan at Foreman Field in 2009.
3 Words to Describe the ODAF
Impact, Purpose, Future
Favorite Reason for Working at the ODAF
As a former Student-athlete, I realize the critical role that organizations like the ODAF play in successful Athletic Departments. While I’ve been a Monarch fan my entire life, it’s an honor to join the ODAF team and have the opportunity to make an impact.
Favorite Local Restaurant
Orapax & The Dirty Buffalo